Public Land: Hunting and Fishing in California
California Fish and Wildlife manages 1,000,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat across 711 properties. These properties provide habitat for...

California Fish and Wildlife manages 1,000,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat across 711 properties. These properties provide habitat for a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species and comprise habitats from every major ecosystem in the state.
• 38,500 acres
• Habitat transitions from desert to high country forestlands
• Hunting opportunities include mule deer, mountain lions and bobcats
• 1.14 million acres
• Offers dozens of campgrounds, many located on prime fishing lakes and streams
• Offers mule deer hunting as well as top fishing locations
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
• California’s largest national forest at 2.1 million acres
• Nearly 6,300 miles of rivers and stream offer top-notch trout and smallmouth fishing.
• 460 miles of trails provide backcountry access
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
• 39,000 acres
• Waterfowl hunting
• Limited pheasant hunting
Modoc National Forest National
• 1.7 million acres
• Lake, river and stream fishing opportunities for cool-water and warm-water species
• Big and small game hunting opportunities
• 1,732 acres
• Allows access to adjacent USFWS and BLM public lands
• Mule deer hunting and fishing opportunities available
• 1.7 million acres
• Black-tailed deer and wild boar hunting opportunities
• More than 1,200 miles of trails for access
Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
• Nation’s first national waterfowl refuge, established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908
• 46,900 acres
• Prime waterfowl hunting
• Located just outside of Yosemite National Park
• Contains Merced National Wild and Scenic River
• Excellent trout fishing opportunities
North Cow Mountain Recreation Area
• 52,000 acres
• Black-tailed deer, bear, turkey hunting opportunities
• River, stream and lake fishing opportunities
Find more public land access opportunities with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Hunt Planner.
Photo: Mount Elwell Hike, Plumas National Forest
Photo credit: flickr